Proverb

Word PROVERB
Character 7
Hyphenation prov erb
Pronunciations /ˈpɹɒvɜːb/

Definitions and meanings of "Proverb"

What do we mean by proverb?

A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept. noun

A short pithy sentence, often repeated colloquially, expressing a well-known truth or a common fact ascertained by experience or observation; a popular saying which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical precept; an adage; a wise saw: often set forth in the guise of metaphor and in the form of rime, and sometimes alliterative. noun

A byword; a reproach; an object of scorn or derision. noun

In Scripture, an enigmatical utterance; a mysterious or oracular saying that requires interpretation. noun

Plural capitalized One of the books of the Old Testament, following the Book of Psalms. The full title is Proverbs of Solomon (i. 1). noun

A dramatic composition in which some proverb or popular saying is taken as the foundation of the plot. Good examples are — “A Door must be either Open or Shut,” Alfred de Musset; “Still Water Runs Deep,” noun

Synonyms Axiom, Maxim, etc. See aphorism. noun

To utter in the form of a proverb; speak of proverbially; make a byword of.

To provide with a proverb.

To utter proverbs.

To write or utter proverbs. intransitive verb

An old and common saying; a phrase which is often repeated; especially, a sentence which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical truth, or the result of experience and observation; a maxim; a saw; an adage. noun

A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable. noun

A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference. noun

A drama exemplifying a proverb. noun

A canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims. noun

To name in, or as, a proverb. transitive verb

To provide with a proverb. transitive verb

A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations. noun

A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations.

A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.

A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.

A drama exemplifying a proverb.

Synonyms and Antonyms for Proverb

  • Antonyms for proverb
  • Proverb antonyms not found!

The word "proverb" in example sentences

The proverb translates as advice to carry out a task in secret. ❋ Unknown (2002)

This proverb is adapted from a line by the author William Congreve: "Hell hath no fury like (what?)". ❋ Unknown (2009)

If the proverb is accurate, we should get a list of 40 days. ❋ Unknown (2010)

The performers were not intolerable, and the piece, which was what they call a proverb (a fable constructed so as to give a ludicrous verification or contradiction to an old saying), was amusing. ❋ Lt-Col. Pinkney (N/A)

He started with what he called a proverb of the law, and repeated it so many times, I think I can never forget it, for it seemed to be the hook he hung all his argufying upon. ❋ Unknown (1852)

"They shall understand a proverb, even the interpretation, without which the proverb is a nut uncracked; when they hear a wise saying, though it be figurative, they shall take the sense of it, and know how to make use of it." ❋ Unknown (1721)

I did find it interesting that someone would conflate an old proverb with the teachings of Jesus, even though that proverb is in direct contradiction with those teachings. bizarrobrain ❋ Unknown (2010)

I did find it interesting that someone would conflate an old proverb with the teachings of Jesus, even though that proverb is in direct contradiction with those teachings. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Perhaps the Chinese proverb is the truest: “think about the misfortune of others to be satisfied with your own lot.” posted by redbarren at 5: 47 PM ❋ Ben Barren (2006)

The Hollywood proverb is if you dont know who lunch is, you probably are. ❋ Ben Barren (2006)

Barákish also appears in proverb, e.g. “Camel us and camel thyself” (ibid.i. 295) i.e. give us camel flesh to eat, said when her son by a former husband brought her a fine joint which she and her husband relished. ❋ Unknown (2006)

We can prime the pump; we can use arms control to create a more stable international environment; we can give all kinds of technical assistance, but the proverb is correct in saying that "You can take the horse to water but you cannot make it drink". ❋ Unknown (1990)

-- The proverb is French: "A brebis tondue Dieu mesure le vent;" but I cannot tell now where to find it in print, except in Chambaud's _Dictionary_. ❋ Various (N/A)

The proverb is "Keep the Army busy and keep the Army away." ❋ Unknown (1941)

Their leaders were among the most high-minded of the nation, but were also the first to be smitten by the king's wrath which, as his satellites were always repeating in Latin proverb, meant death. ❋ Preserved Smith (1910)

"Disgustibus" (which you may not recognize as "de gustibus," etc; therefore I translate it for you; it is my way of reading the Latin proverb, and means whatever disgusting things people may like; there is no telling). ❋ Unknown (1891)

Let us take the word proverb in its widest sense, including popular sayings which have not really the stamp of the proverb. ❋ Hugo M��nsterberg (1889)

Her people loved their native city so dearly, that they coined the proverb "All the world is a ring, and Antwerp is the pearl set in it." ❋ William Elliot Griffis (1885)

Cross Reference for Proverb

What does proverb mean?

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